. >>> the white house is confirming this afternoon that president obama will travel next week to south africa to join in the memorials to nelson mandela. there's been an outpouring for the man that led one nation and inspired others. steve handelsman is on capitol hill with that part of the coverage. steve? >> reporter: thank you. the grieving here in washington echoes south africa. the memory of nelson mandela is burning brightly. south africans are beginning ten days of good-byes. americans feel the loss. >> ohio and here at this time is just overwhelming. >> reporter: at the south african embassy in washington, hundreds are coming to pay their respects. >> i'm not sure obama would be president without mandela. >> he's changed not only south africa, but the world. everybody united today. >> reporter: apartheid was his mission. he brought white jailers to his presidential inauguration in >> reporter: the white house announced president obama will go to south africa joining world leaders and south africans for the funeral of nelson mandela. there will be a major memorial remembrance se